Alton Towers for 12 year old

[PixieBoot]

We go a couple of times a year with Merlin passes (sons now 15, 10 and daughter 8). Always have fun, although the food options stink.

[returnplanning]

Thanks everyone, some food for thought

[holidaysaver75]

We live reasonably close to Alton Towers (actually went for a lovely walk in Alton on Sunday) and go every now and then. It's quite a good day out if you get a decent price and our (then) 9 year old enjoyed it and found enough to occupy himself. I wouldn't pay full price though, or travel for hours to get there.

I'd say Drayton Manor near Tamworth would have more for non thrill riders. or even Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

[Jakey Neverland]

We love Alton Towers, in fact we where there on Sunday as a family with children ranging from 4-15 they all have great days out. I on the other hand am still recovering from all the rides haha!

[holidaysaver75]

I think I'm a bit nostalgic about Alton Towers. When I was little, it was a big house, a few rides, beautiful gardens, sea lions and a paddling pool. I remember going up many a time as a kid in the 70s and it was lovely. Even though I do appreciate it now, I do feel it's lost some of the family friendliness it had in those days. I wish they'd gone more down the Disney family experience route than embraced the thrill ride route so fully. It's a shame they don't do a non-riders ticket for those who would just want to go and enjoy the surroundings and the gardens. There were lots of OAPS round us who used to love going up for the day and they don't see the value any more.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by holidaysaver75

I think I'm a bit nostalgic about Alton Towers. When I was little, it was a big house, a few rides, beautiful gardens, sea lions and a paddling pool. I remember going up many a time as a kid in the 70s and it was lovely. Even though I do appreciate it now, I do feel it's lost some of the family friendliness it had in those days. I wish they'd gone more down the Disney family experience route than embraced the thrill ride route so fully. It's a shame they don't do a non-riders ticket for those who would just want to go and enjoy the surroundings and the gardens. There were lots of OAPS round us who used to love going up for the day and they don't see the value any more.

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The issue with that is that there are so many family theme parks in the U.K. and not many offer real, world class thrill rides .
I think Alton towers has quite a good balance

[Floridarules]

Alton Towers is great. Lots of variety intense rides (which are fine), middle range, spinning rides and the newest area which is for pre-schoolers. Nemisis is still one of the best rides in the world. I would prefer this to Spinball whizzer which is family targeted😊
There will be plenty for a 12 year old to do, if average height, he should be able to try anything.👍

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Floridarules

Alton Towers is great. Lots of variety intense rides (which are fine), middle range, spinning rides and the newest area which is for pre-schoolers. Nemisis is still one of the best rides in the world. I would prefer this to Spinball whizzer which is family targeted😊
There will be plenty for a 12 year old to do, if average height, he should be able to try anything.👍

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I could ride nemesis all day ,I love it .
Spin ball makes me feel dreadful ! 🤢

[Leanne1977]

I think its by far the best theme park in the UK. We always have a great day and its excellent for all ages. It has a great range of thrill rides but also family rides for those who don't enjoy the bigger rides. Then they have loads for the little ones. Its great, clean and we have always had a fabulous time on every visit. 👍

[Smilesonfaces]

Originally Posted by holidaysaver75

I think I'm a bit nostalgic about Alton Towers. When I was little, it was a big house, a few rides, beautiful gardens, sea lions and a paddling pool. I remember going up many a time as a kid in the 70s and it was lovely. Even though I do appreciate it now, I do feel it's lost some of the family friendliness it had in those days. I wish they'd gone more down the Disney family experience route than embraced the thrill ride route so fully. It's a shame they don't do a non-riders ticket for those who would just want to go and enjoy the surroundings and the gardens. There were lots of OAPS round us who used to love going up for the day and they don't see the value any more.

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My daughter laughs at me when I say as a child in the 1970’s we used to go to Alton Towers to look round the gardens ! We went last year and all I did was hold bags. I don’t do big rides and there was nothing really for me to do. At least in Blackpool you only have a small entrance fee if you don’t go on the rides. Daughter and husband will go on anything though and they loved it !